Experts sound alarm over cancer-causing chemicals hidden in food packaging – even ‘eco-friendly’ containers are a risk
Scientists sa food packaging could be increasing our exposure to chemicals linked to cancer—and ‘eco-friendly’ options are no safer.
For years experts have warned that substances used to create modern plastics can leech into our food and potentially trigger to a host of health problems.
These include cancer, infertility, birth defects, developmental delays in children as well as increased risk of kidney disease and type 2 diabetes.
Now in a review on the topic, scientists from the Food Packaging Forum Foundation in Switzerland warned a drive to make plastic packaging more environmentally friendly could exacerbate the problem.
They wrote: ‘The push to use more recycled content for plastics and paper means that more hazardous chemicals will migrate into foodstuffs.’
The team cited studies that suggested the ongoing recycling of plastics, which causes the material to be highly concentrated, can lead to an accumulation of harmful chemicals in food packaging.
This can leech into foodstuffs through simple storage or via heating like in ready meals.
They also highlighted the additional risk of black plastic products like kitchen utensils as these may contain dangerous compounds from ‘illicitly recycled plastic waste’.
Scientists say food packaging could be increasing our exposure to potentially cancer causing chemicals, even ‘eco-friendly’ options. Stock image
This warning comes on the back of a study last year, which found 85 percent of spatulas, takeaway tubs and other kitchen utensils made from recycled black plastic contained fireproof substances linked to numerous health problems.
Other substances of concern that the team noted included perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), also known as ‘forever chemicals’.
There is no level of safe exposure to the chemicals and PFAS have been linked to multiple cancers, asthma, fertility problems, obesity, birth defects, diabetes and autism.
BPA-bisphenol A-and phthalates, both of which are substances used in modern plastic manufacturing were other examples highlighted in the report.
The authors also said chemicals seeping into food was a particular concern when it comes to ultra-processed foods (UPFs).
UPF is an umbrella term used to cover anything edible made with colourings, sweeteners and preservatives that extend shelf life.
Ready meals, ice cream and tomato ketchup are some of the best-loved examples of these products, which often also come in plastic packaging.
Chemicals found in modern food packaging have been linked to a host of health problems including cancer, infertility, birth defects, developmental delays as well as increased risk of kidney disease and type 2 diabetes.
Britain is the worst nation in Europe when it comes to UPF consumption, with the food group making an estimated 57 per cent of the national diet. The figure estimated to be even higher in the US
‘UPFs are generally prepackaged and kept for several weeks, months or even years in their packaging,’ the authors wrote.
‘Many are even directly heated in their packaging (for example, ready-to-eat dishes in plastic trays reheated in the microwave), enhancing the migration of FCCs ( chemicals) into food.’
They added that the processing that occurs to create these foods in massive industrial cooking processes could also be exposing them to plastic materials.
Lead author of the report, Jane Muncke added that while research on the harms posed by UPFs was still ongoing, data was strong enough that governments should act to limit their consumption.
‘The evidence is becoming more and more clear that today’s packaged ultra-processed foods are convenient and hyperpalatable, but they contain many synthetic chemicals and microplastics from various sources,’ she said.
‘We see that the health impacts of this type of food contamination are currently under-appreciated and under-studied.’
The above graphic from Toxic Free Future shows how toxic PFAS chemicals get into food products
The Nova system, developed by scientists in Brazil more than a decade ago, splits food into four groups based on the amount of processing it has gone through. Unprocessed foods include fruit, vegetables, nuts, eggs and meat. Processed culinary ingredients — which are usually not eaten alone — include oils, butter, sugar and salt
Britain is the worst nation in Europe when it comes to UPF consumption, with the food group making an estimated 57 per cent of the national diet.
The figure is estimated to be even higher in the US.
Concluding their report, published in Nature Medicine, the team recommended developing food packaging materials that do not pose the same risk to customers.
‘Human exposure to chemicals can be reduced by a systematic shift away from materials that are known to release the most synthetic chemicals and microplastics into foodstuffs.
‘These include paper and board, plastics and coated metals.’
